Artificial bait.



PATENT-ED APR. 9, 1907.

B. F. BURKE. ARTIFICIAL BAIT.- APPLICATION FILED mm: 16. 1906.

ailowet i, v

- flanges.

UNITED sTATns PATENT OFFICE.

BENJAMIN F. BURKE, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS,'ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO MATTHEW CORBETT, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

ARTIFICIAL BAIT.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented April 9, 1907.

'10 all'w'hom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, BENJAMIN F. BURKE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago,-in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented new and useful Improvements in Artificial Bait, of which the following is a specification.

This device comprises a hollow float or receptacle suitable for a surface bait and which can be changed into a submerged bait or baiting device. The float or device comprises a spherical or egg-shaped shell somewhat flattened and preferably made in two parts, with The said flanges are usually soldered or otherwise attached together.

An especial feature of this invention is that meansare provided for sinking the said bait device, so as to make the same submerged when desired. This" is accomplished by a valve through which any desired amount of water can be admitted into the interior of the float, so as to'increase or decrease its which will normally float on water.

buoyancy. I

In the accom anying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective one of the baits. Fi 2 is a longitudinal section. Figs. 3, 4, an 5 are sectional details of the valve. Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the device with special bait attached.

The device com rises a somewhat eggsha ed or spherica shell consisting of two ha -'shells 1( referably, which are provided with flanges which are soldered or other wise united as at 10. These two shells form a hollow water-tight receptacle 10 The flanges are extended at the front end and have a hole to receive a hook. Other trailing ooks ma be similarly connected, if

or snag The shel may be made of copper desire or other suitable metal and nickel-plated towithout entirel removing the 'lug. By unscrewing the p ug water will e allowed to enter to the extent desired and then shut olI I by screwing the'plug. The amount of water admitted controls the buoyancy of the bait, and consequently it can be adjusted to sink slowly or quickly or to give more or less weight to the bait.

In making this device various kinds of metal or other material may be used. For example, rubber may be employed, referably white rubber, the bait being mol ed in one piece. In the flanges of thebait are holes 10 in which may be inserted a colored cord, ribbon, or other device, as shown in Fig. 6.

This device is very suitable for spring fishing, when some fish do not rise to the top of the water. It is also suitable on account of its adjustable buoyancy for use in various kinds of fishing. It thus comprises a very suitable device for all seasons or fishing periods of the year and is suitable for all kinds of water. The buoyancy can be readily adjusted by the fisherman in a few seconds by immersing the bait in water and mani ulating the valve, the construction of. whic is such that the inflowing water can be quickly cut oflj' or nicely regulated as to amount.

. 1. An artificial bait comprising a hollow body having means to admit various quantities of water therein, whereby its buoyancy is adjusted.

2. An artificial bait having means whereby its buoyancy may be adjustably varied.

3IAn artificial bait comprising a hollow body having a valve therein, adapted to admitwater into the same.

4. An artificial bait comprising a hollow body, a nipple opening within the same, and a hollow screwlug ,in the nipple having notches in the sides, through w ch water may be admitted without removing the 5. An artificial bait comprising a o y having a flange (provided with holes, and a bait-strip secure in the holes.

6. A bait com rising a floatable body having an interior 0 amber adapted to contain water.

7. A bait comprising a floatable body composed of rubber and having an interior chamer and an inlet and outlet opening.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specificationin the presence of I two subscribing witnesses.

Witnesses:

SIGNA FELTSKOG, H. ,G. BATCHELOR.

BENJAMIN F. BURKE. I 

